CHINA AND JAPAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21650, 21 May 1932, Page 3

CHINA AND JAPAN

NATIONS AT WAR NO FORMAL DECLARATION A Shanghai correspondent in a letter last month to a Dunedin friend states: — “ It is almost impossible to give a correct idea of the real China situation to friends at home. It is incredible that one nation should make war on another and destroy much valuable property without a formal declaration of war. It will be many years before the damage done in Shanghai cap be repaired (if ever). The treat Commercial Press was completely estroyed involving a loss of 30,000,000 dollars (roughly 2,090,000 sterling), to say nothing of the square miles of prosperous business premises and the countless residences of the working class. The main railway station buildings were destroyed and gutted. “ The 19th Route Army, which came in to protect the Cantonese delegates to the political conference, made a brave stand against the Japanese and held them at bay for -a long period. In fact, the Japanese made quite a miscalculation as to the spirit of the Chinese army. They vainly imagined that it would be but a few hours walk-over, but no, it took at least a month, and involved a great loss of life and much destruction of valuable property. Now, for some weeks, fighting has ceased, and there is a war of words, which is not getting anyhere, and there might possibly be a fresh outbreak. of hostilities, before long. The amazing thing is that while Japan has got a stranglehold upon the nation, the leaders are squabbling amongst themselves for place and power which may lead to another civil war this summer. It is reported that certain soldiers have made an attack on the 19th Route Army and there has been a skirmish with them—a due reward for their brave defence of Shanghai. Marshal Feng came to the fore again for a short while, but has since been down with some throat trouble. The latest excitement is the visit of the League Commissioners. The stage has been well set for them; the is a past master in the ‘ eyewash ’ business, and they will see to it that the delegates do not see a bit of real China. For several years past the walls of public buildings have been covered with antiforeign slogans. During the past few weeks these have all been painted out, and a most elaborate train has been prepared for their use. They will not be able to see things as they really are.”